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From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Following the manhunt of suspects captured in the viral assault video in Bayelsa, ordered by the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa Command, Alonyenu Francis Idu, Police operatives have arrested three of the suspects.
The arrest and parade of the three suspects has laid to rest concerns over the alleged release of the ring leader of the assault, Kadi Bae.
According to the Police, the three suspects, Kadi Bae, Becky, Miracle, already in police net, and Favour (still at large), are being investigated for indecent assault, attempted murder, grievous hurt, abduction, cyber bullying, and cyber stalking against 19-year-old Nancy Wilfred.
Investigations revealed that after an exploratory interactive session with Nancy and follow-up sessions with Civil society groups and gender advocate organisations, the police swung into action after a tip-off by members of the public and eventually arrested three out of the four suspects.
Idu, speaking on the arrest of the suspects in his office, said the parade of the suspects was to demonstrate to members of the public that the police have kept faith with their promise to get the suspects.
He commended members of the public for providing useful information that led to the arrest of the three suspects and ongoing efforts to arrest the fourth suspect.
Idu disclosed that the enforcer of the brutality act, the person who recorded the video, and the person who lured Nancy to the venue of her brutality are the three suspects in Police custody.
He reiterated that the Police are investigating indecent assault, attempted murder, grievous hurt, abduction, cyberbullying, cyber stalking and ancillary crimes, stressing that after completion of investigations, the judiciary would be allowed to do its work.
While commending Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, for his support, he applauded the efforts of his wife ,Mrs Gloria Diri, for encouraging the police to unearth the crime.
On the involvement of a police officer attached to Zone 16 Command to shield the suspects, Idu downplayed the reports, adding that it was just an attempt to distract the Command.
‘’ It was an attempt to distract the command from focusing on the investigation of the crime. It was to distract us from taking action. But as you can see, we were not distracted; we were focused. And we located all the suspects but one.’’
The ring-leader, Kadi Bae, who spoke on behalf of the other suspects, said they regretted their actions, blaming it on the influence of alcohol and peer pressure.
At the Police headquarters, where the parade took place, two women who claimed to be mothers of Kadi Bae and Miracle, were seen crying profusely as their daughters were being led back to their cell at the State Criminal Investigation Department.
